Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel claims Bundesliga title still possible

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel claims Bundesliga title still possible

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted that his team still has a chance of winning the Bundesliga title.

The German giants host last-placed Hertha Berlin on Sunday but could be four points behind league leaders Borussia Dortmund at kick-off, should the latter team win away at relegation-threatened Bochum on Friday.

Tuchel, who took over as manager in late March, has won only two of seven games so far, a period that included eliminations from the Champions League and German Cup.

"We're very honest with each other. We're the last ones to sweep it under the carpet," Tuchel said at the pre-match press conference. "Everyone knows my opinion about the performances, but one of the nice things about sport is that you get an opportunity to make things good again the next time you play."

Bayern have won the last ten Bundesliga titles, and Tuchel admitted that his side "no longer have it in our hands", with Dortmund able to secure a championship by winning their five final games.

The coach confirmed that number nine Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting would again be missing due to a knee complaint but said the club was careful not to place too much responsibility on the shoulders of back-up striker Mathys Tel, who turned 18 on Thursday.

"We have to ask ourselves whether we are doing him a favour by giving him a start, because it'd be a really heavy load on him to send him in as our saviour. At the moment, there are other players with more experience who can perform," Tuchel said.

Regarding the suspended third-division game in Germany after a fan threw a cup of beer at a referee, Tuchel said, "Football could learn a thing or two from rugby or handball regarding treatment of match officials.

"It's often not easy for me to tolerate decisions... (but) maybe we need to have clear rules regarding arguing with the referees to strengthen their authority."